Book Review - The Lives of Fungi - A Natural History of Our Planet's Decomposers - Princeton University Press

 

Mycology, the study of fungi, has been called the Cinderella of the natural history world.

Stefan Buczacki

     This exciting new book should occupy an essential spot on the shelves of every dedicated naturalist. It may seem surprising (counter-intuitive even) to describe fungi as exciting, but when you read the excellent accounts of the incredible diversity of fungi and their place in every ecosystem on earth, I guarantee you will find them exciting. 

     The author, Britt A. Bunyard, brings impeccable credentials to this work, and displays an innate ability to write in a lively manner, keeping it interesting, and purveying technical information in a manner that all can understand. He is not without a touch of wry humour here and there either. Let me give you just a couple of examples, on p. 124, when dealing with the fungus delightfully known as Corn Smut, be cites David Arota's witty description of it as "porn on the cob."  Death Cap mushrooms, as their name implies, are frequently fatal, and on p. 270 Bunyard says, in an understated way, "....that what you're currently savoring in a prepared dish is about to kill you."

     The book begins with a thorough examination of what fungi are exactly, and follows with a complete examination of their diverse methods of reproduction, itself a realm of fascination to enchant and captivate. There is a full discussion of their chemistry and physiology, and unless you are already an expert mycologist, you will learn a great deal from this section. A full thirty-six pages deal with saprobes and parasites, moving onto pathogens, pandemics and scourges.  A good deal of attention is paid to mutualistic symbionts; most people know at least a little about mycorrhizal relationships between plants and fungi, but there is more to this than you ever dreamed of, and the symbiosis is not always harmonious.

     As in every other realm of the natural world humans have had a disproportionate impact, often to their own detriment, and the role of fungi in the future is examined. As Bunyard says, "Many experts now agree that fungal infections will cause increasing attrition of biodiversity, with wider implications for human and ecosystem health." We show no signs of ameliorating our practices even though we have an array of science to outline the damage we are doing to our own living space.

     It sometimes seems that every book I read of late has minor technical or editing errors, disappointing, but a fact. This volume is not immune from this sloppiness. On page 124, the brackets to refer to a page number, are still shown with asterisks rather than the page number being inserted once the layout of the book was complete. The same thing happens on page 210 - (see page **). On page 265 it says "to eek out an existence", whereas it should state "to eke out an existence."

       Perhaps I am being niggly to point out these things, but if they irritate me they may also irritate others. In any event, it seems a great shame to produce so fine a work, with a narrative marked by finesse on every page, and replete with a stunning array of incredible photographs, only have these minor imperfections cast a blemish on the whole. 

     I am not sure exactly what is involved at the proof-reading stage, but I would hope that more rigour could be applied to ensure perfection.

     Setting aside these mechanical issues, it is a first rate book from every perspective, and I recommend it most highly.

The Lives of Fungi, A Natural History of Our Planet's Decomposers - Princeton University Press

Britt A. Bunyard

Hardcover - US$29.95 - ISBN 9780691229843

288 pages - 187 colour photos and 42 black-and-white illustrations - 36 maps

7.5 x 9. 5 inches (18.75 x 23.75)

Publication date: 26 April, 2022